Don’t judge me. I have never been one to order a classic Eggs Benedict from a menu. There’s something about the yolk and hollandaise mixture that just doesn’t work for me in my head, writes Cape Town Etc’s Robyn Simpson.
But, Cape {town} Etc family, I’m here to own my preconceived judgements and admit that I’ve been missing out on a good thing for way too long. You know it, I bent to the classic breakfast, and it’s safe to say that once you go Benedict, you don’t go back.
So, you might be wondering who managed to break my bland breakfast streak? None other than the gorgeous Grand Pavilion located on Sea Point’s iconic Beach Road.
As I sat seaside, absorbing the glorious views of the ocean and kaleidoscope of humans walking by, these divine looking breakfast croissants kept coming out of the kitchen. Rule number one when eating out: if you don’t know what to order, take a look at what’s coming out of the kitchen and falling onto the tables around you.
The endless stream of Benedict’s kept coming – a sure sign. Still, my brain kept telling me otherwise. I was between the Truffle Mushrooms and Parmesan on toast and the Eggs Royale on a toasted croissant with smoked salmon, caviar, hollandaise and wilted baby spinach (I don’t eat red meat but for those who do, there is a classic Bennie with parma ham).
Rule number two when eating out: If you can’t decide, ask your waitron. Alan to the rescue! When asked, he responded promptly with the Eggs Benedict as his firm favourite. Done deal.
I couldn’t believe my decision. Finally, I was joining the real breakfast club.
Waiting for brekkie has never been so pleasant. I sipped on a masterfully brewed oat milk flat white, people watching, and enjoying a sight ocean breeze. The setting at Grand Pavilion is truly something to behold. Think beach chic. Everything is light, bright, and dripping with sophistication.
Unlike many upmarket eateries, Grand Pavilion oozes a warm and casual atmosphere that’s only enhanced by incredibly welcoming staff. Throughout my experience, the host, manager and Alan made sure that all of my breakfast dreams were catered for (as they did with all the diners around me).
Okay, back to the Bennie.
Alan came bouncing out of the kitchen with a plate that was almost too gorgeous to tuck into. Before me was a freshly baked, perfectly crisp croissant, robed with a generous serving of fluffy scrambled eggs (you can order poached if you prefer), expertly sliced smoked salmon, and dots of salty caviar coated in a lavish hollandaise sauce.
The hollandaise deserves a moment of praise. Perfectly balanced with a welcoming hit of acidity to cut through its decadence – paired beautifully with the rich salmon and buttery croissant. I knew that only one man could be behind such a luxurious sauce: Chef Desmond, head chef and king of classic flavours with a modern twist.
WATCH: Seaside excellence served fresh at Grand Pavilion
Now, I know I don’t have too many Benedict’s to make reference to here, but my breakfast date sure does. He orders a Bennie at every given chance and has tasted most on offer around Cape Town. My Benedict connoisseur, so to speak, was one lashing away from licking his plate.
Call me a snooper, but I always enjoy watching what others order – and let me tell you – absolutely everything coming out of Grand Pavilion’s kitchen looked truly sensational. I’ll definitely be back to try their French Toast with berry compote, crème fraiche and maple drizzle.
Grand Pavilion officially has the Eggs Benedict to beat.
See their brand new breakfast menu here.
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Indulge in a beachside breakfast at Grand Pavilion in Sea Point
Pictures: Supplied